Representation in Clinical Trials

Overview

In today’s increasingly globalized world, ensuring that clinical research reflects the populations it aims to serve is more crucial than ever. This course provides an introduction to representation in clinical trials. Over three weeks, you will learn about why this topic is important in clinical research, common barriers and challenges to participation of underrepresented populations, how conscious and unconscious biases can appear, and the consequences this can have on clinical research. Throughout the course, you’ll hear firsthand insights and perspectives from experts in the field as well as practical guidance and self-reflective activities. This course is aimed at clinical trial investigators, sites, and teams, as well as anybody who would like a better understanding of how to strengthen and broaden outreach when recruiting representative populations in clinical research.

Syllabus

Importance of Representation in Clinical Trials

Week One provides an introduction to the importance of representation in clinical trials. You will learn about why disparities in healthcare exist, how treatments affect different populations, and you will undertake a self-reflective activity about your understanding of diversity and biases.

Barriers and Challenges to Participation

Week Two explores the barriers and challenges that may prevent historically underrepresented populations from participating in clinical trials. You'll also learn about the various reasons some groups and communities may have for a lack of trust in healthcare institutions and the clinical trial process.

Bias in Clinical Research

Week Three looks at the topic of bias. You'll gain an understanding of conscious and unconscious bias, as well as some common ways this shows up in clinical research. Finally, you'll learn about ways to recognize and reduce personal biases with some self-reflective activities.